day : 29/09/2022 12 results

New SDOT director answers questions about bridges, speed limits, more @ West Seattle Transportation Coalition

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

After last week’s West Seattle Transportation Coalition meeting, we reported on the biggest news to emerge from it: Early traffic observations from the reopened West Seattle Bridge. New SDOT director Greg Spotts shared those during his guest appearance. Here’s what else he had to say, with both professional and personal details, plus some Q&A:

Spotts, confirmed by the City Council earlier this month, started by noting he’d heard of the remarkable way the West Seattle community came together to get through the 2 1/2-year West Seattle Bridge closure. He said his first hour on the job took him inside the bridge (and the low bridge, which he toured that day too):

(SDOT photo, September 7)

“It’s really impressive to learn about the engineering effort of a structure suddenly compromised and retrofit it so it’s going to last and be safe.”

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READER REPORT: Schmitz Park hazard

September 29, 2022 8:43 pm

| 6 COMMENTS

| Safety | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Another reader report with an alert for parkgoers – this time from Rosalie Miller, whose park visits often have yielded photos featured on WSB. This time, her photo serves as a warning:

East entrance off 49th near Schmitz Park Elementary. It’s a large pothole. More cracks in the trail on both sides of the hole. This has been reported on Find It Fix It app.

We’ll check with Parks tomorrow to see if they’ve addressed it yet. The forested park has had hole trouble in the past; back in April, we reported on the rescue of a 4-year-old from a “mud hole” at the park.

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CRIME WATCH: Drug sting; assault arrest (updated); stolen white Accord

September 29, 2022 6:29 pm

| 39 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Three more Crime Watch reports;

DRUG STING: We learned about this via charges filed by the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. 62-year-old Thomas B. Hull is charged with a drug felony and unlawful gun possession after what court documents describe as an undercover drug sting, making three buys at an RV on SW Marginal Place (which has been reoccupied since its summer sweep). Prosecutors say three undercover buys were made before Hull was arrested and the RV was searched: “Inside the RV, police found a significant amount of several types of drugs, a scale, and he had 5 thousand dollars in cash. Police also found a 22-caliber revolver, bullets, and a musket.” The “several types of drugs,” according to the charging documents, included fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.” Hull has 12 felony convictions, including burglaries, drug violations, and forgery. Prosecutors asked for $100,000 bail; a judge set it at $10,000. Hull got out of jail one day after his arrest last Friday; he was charged on Tuesday.

ASSAULT ARREST: A woman was arrested for investigation of second-degree assault after police responded to a report of two women fighting outside an apartment building in the 7600 block of 35th SW just after 6:30 last night. The summary says, “Upon arrival, officers located the victim, who told officers the suspect assaulted her with a knife and then bit her. The victim said she then pepper-sprayed the suspect in self-defense.” ADDED: We’ve since obtained more information from police. The victim, 45, and her 73-year-old mother were walking by when they saw the 44-year-old suspect vandalizing a car, first trying to rip off its mirrors, then hitting the windshield with a knife handle. The victim pulled out her phone to video-record her and the suspect became agitated, threatening to kill the other women, and coming at them with her knife. The victim pepper-sprayed her but also got cuts on her hand from trying to prevent the suspect from stabbing her. Police arrived at some point and while trying to sort everything out learned that the car the suspect was vandalizing belonged to a 66-year-old woman who has had a longstanding conflict with the suspect over a dog. Police say the suspect is “well-known to officers as she has assaulted multiple people unprovoked in her apartment building that she thinks are trying to kill her, a pair of CPS workers who tried to check on her 6-year-old daughter, and (her daughter’s) school principal.” The suspect was booked into jail; her bail was set today at $5,000.

STOLEN WHITE ACCORD: The car was stolen in White Center but the last time it was taken, it was found in West Seattle, so the owner hopes someone might have seen it:

Cash reward to anyone who can help me recover my Honda Accord ($300)

1996 Honda Accord (white)
Temporary plate # A5359322
Vin (starts with) 1HGC
KCSO case Number : C22031768

The windshield is cracked.

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No charge for under-19 Washington State Ferries riders starting Saturday – with one exception

September 29, 2022 5:33 pm

| 5 COMMENTS

| Transportation | West Seattle news

(Photo by Ann Anderson – state ferry off Duwamish Head during recent smoky sunset)

Starting Saturday, Washington State Ferries will no longer charge people under 19 – with one exception. Here’s the reminder WSF sent today:

Starting Saturday, October 1, youth will board for free as a result of this year’s Move Ahead Washington transportation package. The law directs transit agencies to provide free fares for passengers 18 and under across the state.

The legislation applies only to youth riding as a passenger in a vehicle and those walking onto a state ferry. It does not include teenagers behind the wheel of a motor vehicle. Drivers under 19 years old will continue to pay the adult vehicle and driver fare.

Because of this change, youth tickets are no longer available at self-serve kiosks and online. However, youth walking onto a ferry will still need a ticket or a valid ORCA card to board at terminals where one is currently needed. Terminal employees at the ticket booth can issue the free-fare youth tickets, which will be valid for two hours.

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READER REPORT: Dusty air between Lowman Beach and Lincoln Park

September 29, 2022 3:52 pm

| 8 COMMENTS

| Environment | West Seattle news

Received from Michelle:

I am still suffering from shortness of breath after a walk down the (south end) of Beach Drive to the entrance of Lincoln Park about an hour ago. A (building) has been demolished and the dust in the air (most of which, my guess, is not healthy) is heavy. I came home to find a layer of dust in my hair, skin, and clothing. And, like I said, I am having trouble breathing comfortably. I need to shower and wash these clothes. I recommend those with mold or dust sensitivities or those with pets to avoid this area right now. Had I known, I would have gone a different direction. So, I thought I would let you now so that you can alert others.

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FOLLOWUP: Recycle Roundup’s grand total, and what’s next

September 29, 2022 2:56 pm

| 1 COMMENT

| Environment | Fauntleroy | West Seattle news

(WSB photo, Sunday)

The total’s in from last Sunday’s Recycle Roundup at Fauntleroy Church. Judy Pickens reports:

485 people took advantage of 1 Green Planet’s free, responsible recycling. The day’s take of just over 16 tons brings the total since these roundups began, in 2010, to more than 322 tons.

The spring event will be on Earth Day, April 22. These roundups will continue on Saturdays instead of Sundays so that 1 Green Planet can expedite service with a larger crew.

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REMINDER: Three vaccination clinics in West Seattle this weekend, for flu and COVID

September 29, 2022 2:16 pm

| 2 COMMENTS

| Coronavirus | Health | West Seattle news

Reminder as the weekend approaches, three schools are hosting vaccination clinics in West Seattle this weekend, with vaccine for flu as well as COVID. We’re told all clinics are open to everyone, not just people affiliated with the respective schools.

*On Saturday, Louisa Boren K-8 (5950 Delridge Way SW) – 9 am-3 pm for flu (info here), 10 am-2 pm for COVID (registration info here)

*On Sunday, Chief Sealth International HS (2600 SW Thistle), 10 am-2 pm for both (flu info here;

*On Sunday, Explorer West Middle School (10015 28th SW; WSB sponsor), noon-3 pm for both, details here

P.S. While registration is encouraged, clinic organizers say it is NOT reauired.

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WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Stolen gray Nissan pickup truck

September 29, 2022 12:10 pm

| 4 COMMENTS

| Crime | West Seattle news

Maybe you’ve seen John‘s pickup, stolen near 13th/Thistle in Highland Park:

My 1992 Nissan Frontier truck – king cab, blue metallic/gray color, a black door on driver’s side, plate number B11839S – was stolen on 9/22. This is a photo from the web … my truck has black wheel rims but the color is similar. It’s been stolen twice now and this time it had “the club” on the steering wheel. It’s a good running vehicle and I would like to have it back.

If you see, or have seen, John’s pickup, the SPD incident # is 22-254093.

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WEST SEATTLE THURSDAY: 9 options

September 29, 2022 10:45 am

| Comments Off on WEST SEATTLE THURSDAY: 9 options

| West Seattle news | WS miscellaneous

(Pink-sorrel, photographed in Fauntleroy Park by Rosalie Miller)

Here’s what’s happening, mostly from the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar:

ART EXHIBIT: Last of three days you can see portraits by Jeff Benesi at West Side Presbyterian Church (3601 California SW). Open for viewing now until 1 pm.

BLOCK DROP: Today you’ll find DIY cleanup equipment at Duwamish Head (parking area by the fence with all the locks), until 6 pm.

BRING IN YOUR ART: Today’s the second of three days in which everyone is welcome to bring artwork to the Southwest Library (9010 35th SW) for this year’s Southwest Artist Showcase, which starts Sunday. Branch hours today are noon-8 pm.

BUGS AND BREWS: 5:30 pm at Senior Center of West Seattle (4217 SW Oregon), learn about bugs with Jen from Tiny Science, with beverages available for purchase.

ULTIMATE AT WALT HUNDLEY: 6 pm, Thursday night summertime Ultimate pickup games have moved to Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle).

LIVE PIANO MUSIC: Betty‘s back at Otter on the Rocks (4210 SW Admiral Way), 6:30 pm.

BOARD GAME NIGHT: Go play at Meeples Games (3727 California SW), starting at 6:30 pm.

ARTSWEST OPENING NIGHT: Opening night for the new ArtsWest (4711 California SW; WSB sponsor) play “Swimming While Drowning,” 7:30 pm curtain. Tickets are available online.

BENBOW’S COUNTRY NIGHT: Thursday “Nashville Nights“ continue at the Benbow Room (4210 SW Admiral Way), 9 pm. 21+.

Have something to add to our calendar? Email info to westseattleblog@gmail.com – thank you!

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VIDEO: Mayor nominates Anthony-Paul Diaz from Los Angeles to run Seattle Parks and Recreation

September 29, 2022 10:12 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

10:12 AM: As previewed last night, Mayor Bruce Harrell has just announced his nominee for Seattle Parks and Recreation superintendent: Anthony-Paul “AP” Diaz, currently executive officer for the parks department in Los Angeles. That’s his second major appointment from L.A., after recently confirmed SDOT director Greg Spotts. The announcement is still under way on the Seattle Channel. Here’s the bio page for Diaz on the L.A. city webpage. According to his bio, Diaz has been with the City of Los Angeles for more than 20 years and served as the L.A. parks department’s general counsel before taking on the executive officer role.

10:30 AM: During the announcement event at Yesler Terrace Park, Diaz said he considers parks to be “essential infrastructure.” He also offered a new phrase “Seattle Shine” that the mayor jovially said he’ll adopt, and said he often likes to say, “Parks make life better.” Councilmember Andrew Lewis, who heads the council committee that oversees parks, said Diaz is someone capable of working with community as well as the council toward parks being a “focal point … the true gems of our community.” Diaz succeeds Christopher Williams, who is now completing his third turn as acting superintendent and spoke briefly during today’s event too.

1:45 PM: Here’s the official news release. It doesn’t mention what the job pays, so we are asking that on followup. …Update: $252,000.

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HALLOWEEN SEASON: Free magic show to appear at Kenyon Hall

September 29, 2022 9:14 am

| 8 COMMENTS

| Fun stuff to do | West Seattle news

We continue to regularly update the WSB West Seattle Event Calendar with myriad local events, and this one requires reservations for a limited number of free tickets, so here’s an early heads-up: At 8 pm (corrected) Saturday, October 22nd, Kenyon Hall (7904 35th SW) will host a family-geared Halloween magic show with magician Raymond W.

Tickets are free, and you’re asked to bring a nonperishable food donation for the West Seattle Food Bank if you can. Space is limited so registrations are being accepted now via email – check availability via seattlemagicshow@gmail.com. Find out more about Magician Raymond at seattlemagicshow.com.

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TRAFFIC, TRANSIT, ROAD WORK, WEATHER: Thursday info

September 29, 2022 6:00 am

| 2 COMMENTS

| West Seattle news | West Seattle traffic alerts

6:00 AM: Good morning. It’s Thursday, September 29th.

WEATHER

Here’s the forecast – chance of rain, high in the upper 60s.

TRANSIT INFO

Metro buses are on their regular schedules; watch @kcmetroalerts for trip cancellations/reroute alerts.

No changes in ferries (check here for alerts/updates) or West Seattle Water Taxi service (which will continue at all-day/every-day levels through fall and winter).

ROAD WORK

–Seattle Public Utilities is scheduled to soon close Sylvan Way between Home Depot’s eastern access and SW Orchard for a “natural drainage” project that will take about two weeks. This notice explains. (As of Wednesday afternoon, this hadn’t started yet.)

-In South Park, a drainage project is closing S Holden St between W. Marginal Way S. and 5th Ave S. weekdays through October 14th.

-Just south of the city-limit line, King County is scheduled to continue repaving Myers Way between 99th and 108th.

BRIDGES

High Bridge – here’s the lone reactivated camera atop the span.

Low Bridge: Open to anyone who wants to use it (note: where the camera is turned is under SDOT control).

1st Ave. S. Bridge: For those still finding it more convenient.

Highway 99: Whichever bridge you’re using to get to it, here’s a look at northbound traffic on 99 at Lander.

All currently functional city traffic cams can be seen here (new URL), many with video options; West Seattle and vicinity-relevant cameras are also on this WSB page … Are movable city bridges opening for vessels? Check the @SDOTBridges Twitter feed.

If you see trouble on the roads/paths/water, please text or call us (when you can do so safely) – 206-293-6302.

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